7 of the cheapest European cities to add to your bucket list

Appreciated by tourists from all over the world for its culture, traditions and scenery, Europe remains, however, a destination that guests from other parts of the world find quite expensive. But not all vacation spots on the old continent are exorbitantly expensive. In fact, some of the most remarkable travel experiences can be found in cities that are budget-friendly yet charming.

If you’re an avid traveler but want to save money without compromising the quality of your vacation, they’re exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you dream of getting lost in medieval alleyways, relaxing in lively squares or savoring delicious food at affordable prices, these urban centers are sure to pleasantly surprise you.

In what follows, you’ll discover seven such places that prove a dream vacation doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

• Athens, Greece
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Klagenfurt, Austria
• Kaunas, Lithuania
• Riga, Latvia
• Berat, Albania
• Brasov, Romania

Cheap Cities in Europe – Athens, Greece

Athens is a destination that allows you to enjoy history, culture and gastronomy without spending a fortune. The easiest and most economical way to explore the city is on foot. If you choose to stay in central areas such as Psyri or Plaka, you’ll find that many of the main attractions, including the famous Acropolis, are within walking distance, around 15-20 minutes.

As well as charming strolls through the historic streets, there are other ways to save money in Athens. For example, instead of paying for the cable car up Lycabettus Hill, you can hike, enjoying an active experience and spectacular views for free.

Public transportation is also budget-friendly. The metro is fast, clean and affordable, and tickets for standard journeys are very cheap. While a round-trip ticket to the airport costs around €16, transportation in the city is much more affordable, with options starting at just a few euros.

In terms of food, Athens offers delicious local dishes at incredibly low prices. Traditional tavernas serve gyros, souvlaki or Greek pies for just a few euros, and local markets are the perfect place to sample fresh fruit or traditional sweets on a budget.

Many of the museums and archaeological sites also offer free admission on certain days or significant discounts for students and seniors. These are great opportunities to explore the city’s treasures without spending too much.

Cheap Cities in Europe – Lisbon, Portugal

If you’re dreaming of a sunny vacation filled with vibrant culture and tasty gastronomy, Lisbon is the place for you. According to a study by UK-based Post Office Travel Money, Portugal’s capital is the most affordable destination in Europe for budget travelers.

The study compared costs in 35 European capitals, including prices for accommodation, cultural activities, public transportation and drinks served in terraces. Lisbon came out on top thanks to its excellent value for money, remaining consistently at the top of budget travelers’ preferences.

With an average accommodation cost of just €142.03 per night, Lisbon offers budget-friendly options even in central locations. Restaurants add another strong point, with full menus at an average price of €45.79, allowing you to indulge in traditional Portuguese cuisine, from the famous bacalhau (salted cod) to desserts such as pastéis de nata (Portuguese pasties).

What’s more, Lisbon is full of activities and attractions at reduced or even free prices. For example, you can climb the city’s hills for spectacular views without spending a penny, or visit historic neighborhoods such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, where the authentic atmosphere envelops you at every turn. Many museums and art galleries also offer free admission on certain days of the week.

Public transport is also very accessible, with cheap tram, bus and metro tickets. Don’t miss tram 28, famous for its scenic route through the heart of the city – a unique experience at a very low cost. If you prefer to explore on foot, Lisbon is a compact city perfect for walking, which means you save even more on transportation.

Even outside of the city, Lisbon offers experiences that don’t cost much. Day trips to places like Sintra or Cascais are easy to organize, and train tickets are very cheap. In Sintra, for example, you can visit fabulous castles and palaces at a moderate cost, while enjoying fairy-tale landscapes.

👉 Discover the beauties of Lisbon’s surroundings using a rental car from Enterprise and enjoy memorable moments on Portuguese soil! Renting a vehicle gives you the comfort, flexibility and efficiency you need for a trip to remember for a long time to come.

Cheap Cities in Europe – Klagenfurt, Austria

Klagenfurt, the capital of Carinthia in southern Austria, is located on the shores of Lake Wörthersee, one of Europe’s cleanest and warmest alpine lakes, offering a mix of spectacular scenery, rich culture and relaxing activities, all at friendly prices.

One of the city’s biggest advantages is its affordable accommodation. Compared to more popular Austrian destinations such as Vienna or Salzburg, Klagenfurt’s hotels and guesthouses are considerably cheaper, especially during the off-peak season.

Local food options are also surprisingly economical, from traditional Carinthian dishes such as delicious Kasnudeln (stuffed dumplings) to lakeside restaurants offering reasonably priced meals.

For activities, Klagenfurt is a treasure trove for budget travelers. Walks through the old town center, with its cobbled streets and Renaissance-style buildings, are free and delightful. Entrance to museums and other attractions, such as the Lindwurm, the city’s landmark, is modestly priced. Lake Wörthersee is a major attraction, and access to the public beaches or the surrounding hiking trails is either free or at minimal cost.

What’s more, Klagenfurt is well connected by a cheap public transport network, and its geographical position allows day trips to nearby destinations such as Velden, Pyramidenkogel or even the Slovenian and Italian borders.

Cheap Cities in Europe – Kaunas, Lithuania

Vilnius has long topped the lists of the cheapest places to go on vacation, but Kaunas, located in the west, is even less expensive. With a relaxed atmosphere, historic buildings and a lively cityscape, this city offers the perfect combination of accessible sights and prices to suit every budget. Prices for accommodation are much lower than in European capitals, and hotels and guesthouses in the city center offer options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Meals in local restaurants are also reasonably priced. You can enjoy traditional Lithuanian dishes such as cepelinai (potato dumplings with stuffing) or šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup) without worrying about going over budget. Best bargain in town? Spurgos (or doughnuts) for €0.75 from Spurginė.

Kaunas is an ideal place for nature lovers, with parks and recreation areas where you can relax or enjoy the beautiful scenery at no cost. The city is close to the Nemunas River, ideal for a peaceful stroll.

The annual CityTelling Festival hosts a wide variety of performances and exhibitions that put the city’s Jewish heritage in the spotlight, and most events are free, while four-star hotel rooms cost just €60 per night. For a view of the Baltic city from high above, a funicular up Aleksoto Hill will set you back just a few euros.

👉 We offer you more than just a service, a partnership you can trust. Sign up for our newsletter, enjoy a 25 euro discount on your next rental and start discovering the sights in and around Kaunas!

Cheap Cities in Europe – Riga, Latvia

Among the few cheap cities in Europe, Riga ranks top, closely followed by Dublin and Athens.

Accommodation is significantly cheaper than in many western European capitals. A double room in a 3-star hotel can cost between €40 and €60 a night. If you prefer even cheaper options, you can rent an apartment or a room in a local hostel, with prices starting from €30 a night.

Eating out in Riga is equally budget-friendly. A meal in a local restaurant costs around €10-15, and if you opt for a fast-food or street-food lunch, prices can drop to €5-7. Some Lithuanian specialties worth trying include pelēkie zirņi ar speķi (a variety of gray peas with bacon) or the traditional piragi (an assortment of buns stuffed with various ingredients).

As for attractions, many of them are affordable or even free. You can explore the historic city center, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, for free. Entry to art and history museums is also usually between €5 and €10, and some museums offer discounts for students and seniors. If you want to relax, a ticket for a tram or bus ride costs just €1.50, and public transport is efficient and well-connected.

Cheap Cities in Europe – Berat, Albania

Berat, also known as the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’ due to its traditional architecture and picturesque landscape, is a perfect destination for those who want to experience Albanian culture at an affordable price. Located in the center of Albania, this historic UNESCO World Heritage city offers an authentic atmosphere without the high costs.

Accommodation in Berat is incredibly cheap compared to other destinations in Europe. A room in a modest 3-star hotel can cost between €25 and €40 per night, while guesthouses or apartments rented for tourists are even cheaper, starting from €15-20 per night.

Eating out in Berat is also affordable. A meal in a local restaurant will set you back around €8-12 for a main course and a drink, and at traditional Albanian tavernas, a full lunch of local dishes can be had for as little as €5-7. Albanian specialties such as tavë kosi (lamb with yoghurt) or byrek (pie with cheese or meat filling) are not only delicious, but also very affordable.

For those eager to explore the city, Berat offers many attractions at low or even free prices. A visit to Berat Castle, which overlooks the town from a hill, costs just 2-3 euros and offers a spectacular view of the town and the surrounding valley. The old town is also perfect for walking, and its cobbled streets with traditional whitewashed houses are a delight.

Transportation in Berat, as in other cheap towns in Europe, is reasonably priced, and bus trips between the town and other towns in Albania are very affordable, starting from 3-5 euros for a ticket.

👉 Curious to discover even more destinations to explore? Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and don’t forget to tag us in your photos from your four-wheeled adventures!

Cheap Cities in Europe – Brasov, Romania

A cheaper alternative to Bucharest, Brasov offers the perfect combination of historic sights, outdoor activities and a medieval atmosphere, all at affordable prices.

Three-star hotel accommodation starts from €60 per night, depending on season and location. If you prefer an even lower budget, the city’s hostels start from €14 per night.

Food in Brasov is also very affordable. Lunch in a small local restaurant costs around €7-10, while a full menu at a traditional tavern with Transylvanian dishes can be enjoyed for €25-30.

Brasov offers plenty of free or low-cost activities. You can explore the old city center, where you’ll find the Council Square, the Black Church and narrow streets that take you back in time. Entry to the Black Church costs around €5.

A walk on the Tâmpa, the mountain right next to the city, offers spectacular views of Brasov and the surrounding area, and the hiking trails are free. If you prefer transportation, the cable car to the Tâmpa will cost you just €5 each way.

Europe offers a wealth of fascinating destinations that are budget-friendly, proving you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a memorable vacation. Add them to your future travel bucket list and enjoy an authentic and affordable experience on the old continent.

We look forward to your photos from your travels in Europe on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Sursa foto: Shutterstock [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]